The Central Region is the former government centre of the Gold Coast. Cape Coast was the seat of the British colonial administration up until 1877. The coastline is famous for its ancient forts and castles built by early European traders, and three of them at Elmina, St Jago and Cape Coast have been identified as World Heritage Monuments by the World Heritage Foundation under UNESCO.

The region is also famous for its palm-fringed beaches, fascinating fishing villages, historic towns and rich natural attractions. Almost untouched virgin rainforest has been preserved as a habitat for birds, butterflies and rare local animals, and Kakum National Park (new window) is most accessible as it is very easy to reach from Accra.

Kakum National Park, one of the most diverse and best preserved national parks in West Africa, but the road to the National Park, as of 2015, is in a desolate state.

The historic towns in the region that deserve a visit include Winneba, traditionally known as 'Simpa' Winneba; Kromantse/Abanze, the site of Fort Amsterdam; Duakwa and Mensa Krom, home of some of the region's best woodcarvers: Ajumako Oware where the carvers specialise in royal regalia, stools, linguistic staffs and clan totems. Also very interesting is Mankessim (Central Region of Ghana).

Throughout the Central Region there are welcoming hotels and restaurants, all an easy drive from Accra. If you are seeking to discover the historical links between Africa and the Americans and Europe, or just wanting to explore a culture that has its roots in another era, or just wanting to relax on a sun- dappled beach, then the Central Region must not be missed.

Cape Coast

The crab is the town's mascot and a statue of one lies in the city centre. Fort William, built in 1820, was an active lighthouse from 1835 to the 1970s, while Fort Victoria was built in 1702. Other attractions include a series of Asafo Shrines, Cape Coast Centre for National Culture, the Oguaa Fetu Afahye harvest festival, and since 1992, the biennial Panafest theatre festival. The city is located 30km south of Kakum National Park. Cape Coast also boast of being the first location where soccer was played in Ghana and Ebusua Dwarfs FC is the darling club of Cape Coasters. See also the new Cape Coast Sports Stadium.

A 357km2 national park comprising undisturbed virgin rainforest. Excellent walking tours (and a canopy walkway) through the forest provide the opportunity to see much of Ghana's indigenous plant life, as well as rare butterflies,

birds and game (that could include the extraordinary bongo and forest elephant). Highlights include:

Brenu Beach - 15 minutes from ElminaWinneba - with the Sir Charles Beach ResortElmina - close to the historic castlesGomoa Fetteh - popular for picnics

Traditional Fishing Villages

Along the coast of the Central Region are a succession of busy fishing villages and traditional market towns that reflect the distinct cultures of the district. Visitors to all the districts will be welcomed with traditional Ghanaian hospitality.

Of particular interest are:

Winneba - famous for fishing fleets, Masquerade festival and local ceramics Mankessim - well known for its Posuban shrine and busy marketKromantse/Abandze - twin fishing villages, one of the important trading centres to which the late Louis Armstrong, the great jazz player, traced his ancestry.

Craft Villages

The villagers of the Central Region are famed for their traditional crafts that are still worked as their forefathers have worked for generations. They all make great souvenirs of your visit to the Central Region. Important villages are:

Winneba - famous for its beautiful and unusual ceramicsGomoa-Ostew-Jukwa - a village of pottery makers.

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